History was made on Saturday as Saints’ partner club the Cornish Rebels fielded their first ever Women’s team in the inaugural Women’s Super League South competition.
On the back of our own Saints Women winning the Betfred Challenge Cup, the interest in playing the game in Cornwall has been immense.
The team was only accepted into the competition two months ago. Since then, 20 to 25 women have been training hard three times a week to get to grips with the intricacies of the greatest game.
None of the girls have ever played rugby league before. Two have never played any form of contact sport before and one of them is over 40!
Coach Ronan O’Neill and his assistant Mike Kevern had the difficult task of choosing the final 20 to take to the field against the Golden Ferns in Bristol.
The first half was a bit of a baptism of fire with the Ferns running up a 22-0 led at the break.
But the second half was a different story as the Rebels held their hosts to a 10 all draw. The all important first ever try was scored by Katie Bouston with Bethany Hampton running in a second converted by Emma Steffantoni.
Chairman John Beach couldn’t have been prouder of his charges emphasising the massive steps taken in such a short time
Judging by the smiles at the end of the game every single one of the girls will be back for more.
So, if you find yourself in and around Redruth on the 10th & 24th July or in Cardiff on the 31st go down and give the girls your support.
You never know you may even see a future Saint in the making!
